Ethiopian stands between Dobriskey and 1500m Olympic title

Lisa Dobriskey is capable of ending a troublesome seven months in perfect fashion in the 1500m final, but to do so she will have to beat Abeba Aregawi.

Dobriskey is 8/1 to follow in the footsteps of Dame Kelly Holmes and hand Team GB a second women’s 1500m gold in three Olympics and her qualification suggests that this is within her compass.

She has looked more than comfortable in her heat and semi final and given that she has a strong finish, this has not needed to have been called upon as yet.

This is partly because Dobriskey appears to have improved tactically, as in the past she would often settle towards the rear of the field or find herself boxed on the inside.

The result was that she was never truly close enough to challenge for gold and instead battled for the minor places through overtaking those that were on wobbly legs in the final 50m.

Things have been different in London, with Dobriskey being better placed on the shoulder of the lead approaching the bell and having the opportunity to cover any moves.

The only possible weakness is that both her qualifying races have been slow in terms of pace and so it remains to be seen if she can replicate these tactics in a faster-run race, which is possible in the final.

Despite a troubled period including a diagnosis of blood clots on the lungs and a stress fracture of her femur, she is potentially in the form of her life and capable of setting a new personal best.

Even if she does achieve a new fast time, this may not be enough to deny Aregawi, who is on track to hand Ethiopia a first ever gold in the event.

She has run under 3.57.00secs this season and arguably has the best sprint finish of the fastest athletes in the field.

Aregawi is 4/9 to win gold, but this is a short price in an event which can often be tactical.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.